Transcripts and Your Academic Record

Law school admissions officers readily acknowledge that no one major will guarantee entrance into their schools, neither will a particular major per se exclude you from admission. On the other hand, admissions officers tend to view favorably those majors that traditionally have been perceived (by the admissions officers) as providing a foundation for the development of skills that will be necessary for the successful study and practice of law. In general, admissions officers are interested in discerning, among other things, whether your course work has required you to develop analytical skills, critical thinking skills, research skills, and effective oral and written communication skills. Historically, majors in the social sciences and humanities, such as Political Science, History, English, Philosophy and Economics, have been thought to promote these skills. However, you should NOT choose a major to please an admissions officer.

At the risk of sounding trite, it is most important that you choose a major that interests you. Your college preparation should afford you an opportunity to explore areas that peak your curiosity and that will engage you intellectually. Admissions officers will look beyond the raw G.P.A. to determine whether you have challenged yourself by completing progressively more difficult courses. They also will welcome a transcript that reflects course work that includes intensive research and writing. In the end, admissions officers need to be convinced that the intellectual rigor and motivation you have demonstrated in completing your undergraduate course work will be sustained throughout your legal education.